Gender advocate backs Mahama’s plan to enforce Affirmative Action Act

Media personality and gender advocate Josephine Oppong-Yeboah has welcomed President John Dramani Mahama’s promise to implement the Affirmative Action Act of 2024 (Act 1121) to promote gender equity.

She said enforcing the law would strengthen women's representation across various sectors of national development.

Delivering his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) after his re-election on Thursday, February 27, 2025, President Mahama said the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection was working with relevant groups to put the Act into effect. The law includes a 30 per cent quota for women in political appointments.

"I'm pleased to report that women currently make up 23.21 per cent of all appointments, and we are diligently working towards reaching the target outlined in Act 1121," he said.

Parliament passed the Affirmative Action Bill on July 30, 2024, a move widely welcomed by women's rights groups in Ghana and beyond.

Reacting to the President’s pledge, Ms Oppong-Yeboah said the law’s implementation would promote gender balance, boost economic growth, strengthen democracy, and address historical inequalities.

"By empowering women and ensuring their full participation in all aspects of society, Ghana can build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all its citizens," she said.

She added that increasing women's visibility in leadership could inspire future generations, creating a cycle of mentorship and progress.